Ontario’s Health Minister Deb Matthews is “profoundly disappointed” with the federal government’s decision to refuse to stop the generic form of oxycontin pills from entering the market

But as CTV’s Cristina Howorun tells us Canada’s Health Minister says there’s nothing she can do about it“

Ontario Proposes Regulations to Limit Access to Generic OxyContin Unless It is Tamper-Resistant

OxyContin is the brand name of Oxycodone which is an active ingredient in highly addictive analgesic medications for the relief of moderate to severe pain that requires the continuous use of an opioid analgesic preparation for several days or more.

On March 1, 2012, Purdue Pharma withdrew its current formulation of oxycodone controlled release (long acting) tablet, OxyContin (i.e., the manufacturer stopped distributing OxyContin into the Canadian market), and introduced tamper-resistant OxyNEO tablets

OxyNEO is more difficult to crush for the purpose of use and abuse

“Prescription narcotic abuse has destroyed the lives of too many Ontarians. These regulations will save lives and prevent addiction. While these steps help limit access, a ban on generic Oxycontin remains the single most effective way to prevent the devastating impact that this drug can have on families. That’s why I continue to join my provincial counterparts, doctors, pharmacists, police and First Nations leaders in calling on the federal government to reconsider their decision. ”
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care

The federal government has decided to reintroduce generic Oxycontin which is the more easily abused version of OxyContin.

However, the provincial government believes that the cost to society of the reintroduction of the more easily abused version of OxyContin far outweighs the financial benefits of the reduced generic price for the following reasons:

A recent study found that the annual social costs from OxyContin abuse could be as high as $318 million in Ontario, and $504 million nationwide

The addition of oxycodone controlled-release tablets to the Ontario drug formulary was associated with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related mortality and a 41 per cent increase in overall opioid-related mortality

Presently, Ontario is proposing the following regulations to amend the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act to limit access to generic OxyContin unless it is tamper-resistant:

I have now introduced legislation that, if passed, would give Ontarians control over their cell phone and wireless contracts. To help you understand what this means for you, we have created a Facebook page. Go to Facebook dot com slash no more cell shock to share your thoughts. We will be there to answer any questions you may have. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Margarett Best, Minister of Consumer Services

Ontario Drug Benefit 2012: To Classify Wealthiest Seniors as New Five Per Cent in August 2014

You may have heard in the news about the one per cent social class as well as the 99 per cent social class. It’s my understanding that these statistical figures really apply to the US.

However, the Canadian figures in Ontario are slightly different and will soon include:

Five per cent of Canadian seniors as the wealthiest seniors

Plus three per cent of the remaining Canadian seniors are lower-income seniors

Plus 92 per cent of the remaining Canadian seniors

There are about 1.9 million seniors living in Ontario

Now, you can add the new five percent (and 95 percent) to the Canadian vernacular regarding social classes in Ontario, according to the following proposed changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program:

Currently, more than 7,000 doctors – caring for 6.5 million Ontarians – are participating in the Electronic Medical Records program.

Furthermore, patients will own their electronic health records which will allow them to take better control of their health.

These relatively new ehealth initiatives as outlined in the 2011 eHealth Progress Report will provide the following benefits for all involved because effective and efficient electronic health info management by doctors saves lives and money, and improves patient care:

In tune with the saying “what’s up doc?”, Ontario is proudly declaring the following recent improvement happening with health care as well as what’s in the works for our health care system to meet the needs of Ontario’s rapidly aging population in Canada: